Risk Pathways Between Housing Circumstances and Child Sexual Abuse in Zimbabwe: Policy Implications for Housing and Child Protection

Child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention in Zimbabwe has centered on survivor treatment and criminal justice responses, with limited evidence on structural risk factors that inform effective prevention. This qualitative study uses the Victim Friendly System (VFS) as a case study, drawing on interviews with 38 professionals, 4 key informants, 17 VFS meeting minutes, and 300 CSA court files. Findings highlight detrimental housing circumstances, including overcrowding and children’s street homelessness, that heighten CSA vulnerability. The paper offers policy recommendations on housing and child protection, arguing that addressing these structural conditions is essential to reducing CSA risk.